Glass ceiling?

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Since the logistics sector is notorious for being male-dominated, what initiatives are underway in the Middle East and throughout the world to encourage more women into the industry?

From appearances alone, the logistics industry is a man's world. Few would see dusty warehouses and grimy trucks as being of any appeal to women.

But it is precisely this kind of attitude that a growing number of well-educated and talented women are hoping to challenge by taking on ever more senior roles in the leading supply chain firms.

However a number of challenges still remain, especially in the Middle East, where traditional notions of the woman's role in the family have tended to persist.

It is impossible to talk about women in logistics in the Middle East without mentioning the example of Salma Hareb. The appointment of Hareb as CEO of Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza) has sent out a signal that individuals will be given senior roles on merit.

Indeed, her ability to handle the manifold demands on her time with an unruffled manner have done much to solidify her as leading light for women in the region. In April this year she was announced as leading the 2008 ‘Forbes Arabia' List of 50 Most Powerful Arab Businesswomen.

Although the logistics industry is desperately lacking women among its ranks, Hareb feels the situation will start to change in the future. "We have so many women working in the free zone now. They are constantly progressing higher up the ranks. However, I don't want to create a sense of gender discrimination. If the individual is capable, they will certainly progress in the organisation, regardless of being a male or a female."

But challenges still remain. According to the most recent survey carried out by Ohio State University about the trends of women working in logistics, few among those interviewed in the US are in a similar position to Hareb.

Around 32.1% of those surveyed described their role as manager within their company, while 19% were said to be a director. However few are in the vice president or president position, posts that tend to be held by their male counterparts.

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